Franklin, MA

Very High · 155

Massachusetts · Population 33,067 · Updated March 2026

$1,856
Median Rent / Month
$142,788
Median Income
$567,100
Median Home Value
$2,280
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Franklin

15.6%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Massachusetts

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

9.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
1.15%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$22,272
Annual Rent
$12,851
State Income Tax
$6,522
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Franklin has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 155 (where 100 equals the national median), Franklin residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,856/month while earning a median household income of $142,788/year.

The median home value in Franklin, MA is $567,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,280 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Massachusetts's top income tax rate of 9.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.15% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Franklin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Franklin

What is the cost of living in Franklin, MA?
The cost of living index in Franklin, MA is 155 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,856, median household income is $142,788/year, and the median home value is $567,100.
Is Franklin, MA affordable?
No, Franklin is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 155. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Franklin, MA?
The median gross rent in Franklin, MA is $1,856 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,272.
What is the median household income in Franklin?
The median household income in Franklin, MA is $142,788 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a top income tax rate of 9.0%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.15%.